In a previous blog, we offered herbal teas for 'flu. In case you do get 'flu this year, here are some tips for the post-'flu blues. During the post-flu period, you may feel listless, depressed, ragged and having low energy. At this time it is good to take rejuvenative herbs to rebuild the energy of the respiratory and nervous systems.

Chyavanprash

Ayurveda recommends a preparation called Chyavanprash at this time. Take a teaspoonful of Chyavanprash in the morning on an empty stomach and another teaspoon in the afternoon, around 3pm, right at the time when you feel like eating cookies or chocolate. If you tolerate milk, it can be good to drink a cup of cow's milk twenty minutes after taking the Chyavanprash. If you do not take cows milk, you may take a non-dairy almond drink.

Non-dairy almond drink

Soak 10 raw almonds in 1-cup pure water overnight

In the morning, drain off the water. Rub the skins off the almonds.

Soak 20 raisins in 1-cup pure water overnight or several hours

Pour the raisins and their soaking water in the blender with the drained & peeled almonds and add:

1 tsp. ghee (rejuvenative),

1/32 tsp. saffron (increases digestion & rejuvenative)

1/8 tsp. ground cardamom (increases digestion)

Pinch of black pepper (helps control kapha)

Blend until smooth.

Tulsi Ginger Tea

To rejuvenate both your lungs and your nervous system, drink tulsi ginger tea. You can make this by simmering a teaspoon of grated fresh ginger per cup of water for five minutes. Turn off the heat, add a teaspoon of tulsi leaf powder and steep a few more minutes. Gently re-warm, strain and drink (don't boil the tulsi). Or use these teabags.

Brahmi Tea

If depression is a significant feature of your post-flu experience, drink Brahmi tea. Steep 1tsp. Brahmi in boiling water for 10 minutes, strain well, add honey and drink 3 times daily, between meals. Do not drink brahmi at bedtime unless you add milk or almond milk, otherwise the Brahmi will create alertness.

Alakananda Ma M.B., B.S. (Lond.) is an Ayurvedic Doctor (NAMA) and graduate of a top London medical school. She is co-founder of Alandi Ayurveda Clinic and Alandi Ayurveda Gurukula in Boulder Colorado, as well as a spiritual mother, teacher, flower essence maker and storyteller. Alakananda is a well known and highly respected practitioner in the Ayurveda community both nationally and internationally.

Ayurveda, literally translated as the “science of life,” is the ancient Indian art of physical, mental, and emotional healing. Based on harmonizing the natural elements within and around us, Ayurvedic medicine is a time-tested system of holistic health that is highly specific to each unique individual. Ayurvedic treatments include delicious foods, medicinal herbs, massage, yoga, meditation, and other simple lifestyle changes that work to restore your body to its innate, healthy balance. LEARN MORE